Federer bids farewell with Laver Cup doubles loss with Nadal, HIGHLIGHTS

Laver Cup 2022: Check the highlights from Roger Federer’s last-ever professional tennis match during the Laver Cup 2022 from the O2 Arena in London.

Updated : Sep 24, 2022 16:32 IST

Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won the first set 6-4 against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World during their doubles match on Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on Friday in London.
Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won the first set 6-4 against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World during their doubles match on Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on Friday in London. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES
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Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won the first set 6-4 against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World during their doubles match on Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on Friday in London. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Thanks for tuning into Sportstar’s live coverage of Roger Federer’s last-ever professional tennis match during the Laver Cup 2022. This was Nihit Sachdeva taking you through the action as it unfolded at the O2 Arena in London.

That’s it from day one of the Laver Cup 2022. Do join us for live coverage of day two. Till then, take care and stay safe.

FEDERER/NADAL (TEAM EUROPE) 6 6 (2)
TIAFOE/SOCK (TEAM WORLD) 4 6 (7)

Federer on the importance of his wife Mirka in his career - “My wife’s been so supportive. She could have stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play. It’s amazing. Thank you.”

Federer on his journey from a small boy in Basel who started playing tennis to becoming world champion - “ It was never supposed to be that way. I was just happy to play tennis and spend time with my friends. So, it has been a pretty perfect journey and I would do it all over again.”

Federer - “ It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy. I’m not sad. It feels great to be here. I choose one more time and everything was the last time and funny enough, with all the matches and having the guys and being here, fans, family, friends. Didn’t feel the stress so much even though I did think something was going to go, pop a calf or block a back or something in the match. I am so happy I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”

Here’s Federer’s final on-court interview as a tennis player-

It truly is the end of an era as a teary-eyed Roger Federer acknowledges the crowd at the O2 Arena after playing the final match of his long and glorious tennis career. The Swiss legend gives a hug to every member of Team Europe which includes three of his all-time rivals - Nadal, Djokovic and Murray.

MATCH TIEBREAK

Federer and Nadal take an early 2-0 lead. Make that 3-0 as Nadal hits a splendid overhead smash down the middle. Serve down the T from Sock and Federer’s forehand lands into the net. Wide serve from Sock and Nadal’s backhand return goes long. It is 3-3 as Nadal mishits the volley. Unbelievable reflex half-volley pass from Sock after a brilliant smash from Federer. Tiafoe hits the backhand into the net and it 4-4. Sock slips but not before hitting the volley at Federer to go 5-4 up. Backhand volley down the winner from Nadal levels the score again at 5-5. T ace from the Swiss Maestro to go 6-5 ahead. Wide serve from Sock and Federer’s one-handed backhand return goes long - 6-all. Federer hits the backhand volley into the net. A glorious crosscourt forehand volley winner from Federer out of nowhere - 7-all. Tiafoe hits the forehand directly at Federer at the net and apologises. The point goes to Team World - 8-7. Backhand error from Tiafoe and it is 8-all. Forehand into the net from Sock and it is match point for Federer and Nadal at 9-8. Federer serving for the match. Tiafoe comes up with a brilliant interception at the net and Federer hits the forehand into the net - 9-all. A bullet of a forehand pass from Tiafoe on Federer’s second serve and it is a match point for Team World at 10-9. Sock to serve. A forehand pass to finish things off from Sock! Tiafoe and Sock beat Federer and Nadal 6-4, 6-7 (2), [11-9]

SECOND SET (* denotes server)

Tiebreaker

Tiafoe hits a forehand down the line winner on Federer’s serve. Backhand volley from Nadal goes into the net. Federer hits the volley directly at Sock’s feet who sends the return beyond the baseline. The Americans still lead 2-1 but it is back on serve. The Americans keep their one-point lead at 3-2. Tiafoe and Sock are just two points away from taking this match to a 10-point tiebreak. And they have indeed sealed the second set! Tiafoe and Sock win the second set 7-6 (2)!

Federer/Nadal 6-6 Tiafoe/Sock*

Sock to serve to keep Team World in this match. Begins with an ace up the T. Forehand down the line winner from Federer makes it 15-all. Nadal sends the forehand return long - 30-15. Forehand down the line from Federer dips while going towards Tiafoe who hits the volley into the net - 30-all. Nadal hits a forehand wide after an excellent volley aimed at his feet by Tiafoe. Another forehand down the line from Federer and yet another volley into the net from Tiafoe - deuce. Backhand volley from Tiafoe takes the top of the tape and lands on the other side. A game point for the Americans. Backhand into the net from Federer and Sock holds to take the set to a tiebreak.

Federer/Nadal* 6-5 Tiafoe/Sock

Brilliant backhand return from Tiafoe who then rushes in and Nadal’s crosscourt half volley goes wide. Tiafoe constructs the point by finding the vacant left corner, Nadal tracks back to sends the lob but Tiafoe is there to hit a backhand down the middle. Nadal’s forehand return hits the net and goes wide. Three break points for Tiafoe and Sock. Serve down the T and Sock’s forehand is into the net 15-40. Backhand down the line return from Tiafoe lands just wide - 30-40. Heavy forehand from Sock - deuce. All three break points saved. Forehand return from Tiafoe again lands just wide. Team World challenges the call but the replay shows the original call was right. Nadal keeps the rally going but Sock catches Federer off-guard with a forehand pass - deuce. A double fault from the Spaniard gives another chance to break for the Americans. Overhead smash down the middle from Federer saves the fourth break point of the game. Fifth break point for Team World as Tiafoe’s backhand down the line return catches the baseline. Nadal saves another as he hits the forehand to Tiafoe’s backhand who is unable to hit the volley. Sock with a backhand crosscourt volley earns sixth break point. Forehand from Sock lands into the net and it is another chance gone. Tiafoe fumbles the forehand and Nadal has a game point. Second serve from Nadal and Sock’s forehand return lands into the net. Nadal holds.

Federer/Nadal 5-5 Tiafoe/Sock*

Tiafoe serving to keep the Americans in the match. A double fault at 30-0 from Tiafoe. Forehand volley into the net from Sock and it is 30-all. Nadal’s crosscourt forehand return lands just wide. Game point for Tiafoe. Overhead smash to seal the game from Sock.

Federer/Nadal* 5-4 Tiafoe/Sock

Federer serves. Serve down the T takes him 30-0 up. Crosscourt forehand volley winner from Tiafoe to make it 15-30. Tiafoe with a crosscourt smash makes it 30-all. Pressure on Federer. Heavy forehand from Tiafoe gives a game point to Federer. Nadal sends backhand volley into the net - deuce. Wide serve from the Swiss maestro in the deuce court and Tiafoe’s forehand lands into the net. Wide serve into the ad court and Sock’s backhand return goes long. Federer holds.

Federer/Nadal 4-4 Tiafoe/Sock*

Sock serves. Commits a double fault at 40-0. Backhand into the net from Federer and Sock holds.

Federer/Nadal* 4-3 Tiafoe/Sock

Body serve from Nadal and Tiafoe hits the backhand into the net. Sock hits the inside-out forehand return and Nadal’s forehand down the line hits the net 15-all. Backhand return from Tiafoe goes long on Nadal’s first serve. Wide serve into the ad court from Nadal, Team World challenges it but the replay shows it was in. Nadal holds as Sock hits the forehand return into the net.

Federer/Nadal 3-3 Tiafoe/Sock*

Federer keeps the point alive with a couple of inside-out forehands before sending a backhand drop down the line, forcing Sock to go for the lob and Nadal ends it with an overhead smash down the middle. Crosscourt forehand from Tiafoe lands into the net and the Americans are down 15-30. A double fault from Tiafoe makes it 15-40. Two break point opportunities for Federer and Nadal. Federer and Nadal break back as the Spaniard’s return lands bang at a rushing Tiafoe’s feet who hits the volley but the chair umpire says the ball hit the court on the American’s side first before going across the net.

Federer/Nadal* 2-3 Tiafoe/Sock

Nadal almost does the unthinkable by going round the post for the return but the ball lands just wide. Overhead smash from Nadal and Sock’s forehand return does not even reach the net - 15-all. Forehand pass from Tiafoe takes the American duo 30-15 up. Sock’s backhand return on Federer’s first serve goes wide. Wide serve into the deuce court from Federer and Tiafoe sends the return into the net. Tiafoe hits the volley into the net on the next point. Federer holds.

Federer/Nadal 1-3 Tiafoe/Sock*

Nadal wins the opening point on Sock’s serve with a backhand volley pass. Backhand crosscourt return from Federer lands bang on the baseline, much to Sock’s disbelief. Tiafoe fails to get enough on the backhand overhead, Nadal sends the crosscourt return and Sock sends the forehand return into the net. Two break points for Federer and Nadal. The all-American pair, despite slight misunderstanding, saves both break points - deuce. Forehand pass from Sock lands just beyond the baseline and it is another break point chance for Team Europe. Federer mishits the forehand down the line on Sock’s second serve - deuce again. Crosscourt backhand volley from Tiafoe and it is a game point for the American duo now. Lovely backhand volley from Sock, Nadal rushes in but sends the crosscourt return into the net.

Federer/Nadal* 1-2 Tiafoe/Sock

Well, well, well. The Americans hit back strongly and go 40-0 up on Nadal’s serve. Nadal saves first break point with a forehand pass. Nadal saves another with an ace but the American duo eventually breaks as Federer sends the volley long.

Federer/Nadal 1-1 Tiafoe/Sock*

Incredible cross-court forehand exchange between Nadal and Tiafoe and eventually, Tiafoe sends one into the net. T ace from Tiafoe to go 40-30 up. Wide ace to close the game.

Federer/Nadal* 1-0 Tiafoe/Sock

Federer serves first in the second set and holds comfortably.

FIRST SET (* denotes server)

Federer/Nadal 6-4 Tiafoe/Sock*

Federer interrupts at the right time during the crosscourt exchange between Tiafoe and Nadal to hit the volley at Sock. Wide serve into the ad court by Tiafoe and it is an ace. Nadal’s forehand return to Tiafoe’s first serve lands just long. Inside-out forehand winner from Nadal to make it 30-40. Bad miss from Sock as he sends the backhand volley way off court - deuce. A forehand volley from Federer earns Team Europe a set point. Fedal takes the opening set 6-4! Federer gets the inside-out forehand return in on Tiafoe’s first serve who hits the crosscourt backhand. Federer hits the forehand at Sock who goes for the volley but the ball hits the top of the net and stays on the side of the Americans.

Federer/Nadal* 5-4 Tiafoe/Sock

Nadal serves. Tiafoe’s backhand return goes long on first serve. Crosscourt backhand return from Sock lands beyond the baseline. Federer’s backhand volley goes wide after Tiafoe hits the return at him. Backhand pass return winner from Sock on Nadal’s first serve - 30-all. Brilliant couple of volleys from Tiafoe and Sock and Nadal hits the backhand into the net. First break point opportunity of the match comes for the Americans. Big first serve from Nadal and Federer finishes it with a smash - deuce. Tiafoe’s backhand return lands into the net. Game point for Nadal. Forehand crosscourt volley winner from Federer to close the game.

Federer/Nadal 4-4 Tiafoe/Sock*

Sock serves. Begins with a double fault. Again. Federer unable to get the racquet perfectly on the ball while going for the backhand return and the ball goes into the crowd. Forehand return from Nadal goes wide. Powerful smash from Tiafoe and Federer’s backhand return travels only till the net. Two game points for Sock. Crosscourt backhand volley to finish the game from Tiafoe.

Federer/Nadal* 4-3 Tiafoe/Sock

Tiafoe hits the backhand return into the net on Federer’s second serve. Body serve from Federer and Sock’s return can go only as far as the net. Tiafoe gets himself into a crosscourt forehand exchange with the Swiss maestro before surprising Nadal with one down the line. Overhead smash from Federer to go 40-15 up. A forehand into the net from Federer and first game point goes away. Nadal closes the game with a backhand volley hitting Tiafoe’s left foot.

Federer/Nadal 3-3 Tiafoe/Sock*

Nadal tests the volleying skills of Tiafoe and eventually, one is a little too heavy - 15-all. Nadal hits a simple forehand volley into the net. Two game points for Tiafoe. Nadal hits the forehand return back at Tiafoe’s feet but Tiafoe challenges the call. It is a correct challenge as the ball indeed landed beyond the baseline. Tiafoe holds.

Federer/Nadal* 3-2 Tiafoe/Sock

Federer sends the backhand volley long after Tiafoe sends a weak return on Nadal’s first serve down the middle. Sock’s return lands long on Nadal’s wide serve into the ad court. Nadal hits the body serve and Tiafoe’s forehand lands into the net. This time, Federer puts the forehand crosscourt volley away. Federer hits the backhand volley directly at Sock’s feet who hits the volley in reply long. On serve for now.

Federer/Nadal 2-2 Tiafoe/Sock*

Sock to serve. Starts with a double fault. Federer overhits the forehand, Tiafoe lets it go and rightly so as the ball goes beyond the baseline. Sock hits the inside-out forehand directly at Nadal at the net and the Spaniard is unable to react in time to put the volley away. Sock holds as Nadal hits the crosscourt backhand into the net.

Federer/Nadal* 2-1 Tiafoe/Sock

Federer to serve. Sock’s backhand return flies off the court - 15-all. Tiafoe hits the return back at Nadal’s body who hits the volley with soft hands to clinch the point. This is bizarre - Federer hits a forehand return which goes through the gap between the net and the right pole. Point goes to the all-American duo. Heavy return from Sock on Federer’s second serve. Federer holds.

Federer/Nadal 1-1 Tiafoe/Sock*

Tiafoe serves first. Nadal’s return gifts a simple volley opportunity at the net for Sock who does not miss it. Nadal gets the forehand return to land at Tiafoe’s feet and the American hits the forehand in reply long. Nadal goes for a tight forehand volley winner but the ball lands wide. Wide serve in the deuce court and Tiafoe wraps the game with an ace.

Federer/Nadal* 1-0 Tiafoe/Sock

Nadal hits a second serve ace up the T but Team World challenges the call and gets it overturned. First shot in more than a year and it is a forehand volley pass from Federer. Nadal joins the party with a backhand volley pass to go 30-15 up. Sock hits a forehand into the net and gives two game points to the opponents. Serve down the middle and Tiafoe’s return goes wide.

SHOW TIME: First up, from Team World, Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe step onto the court followed by Team Europe’s Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal! Federer and Nadal win the toss and choose to serve.

Next up is the match everyone has been waiting for. Roger Federer to play his final match, partnering Rafael Nadal against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.

Alex De Minaur comes from behind to beat local favourite Andy Murray 5-7, 6-3, [10-7] in a match that lasted two hours 28 minutes. Team Europe leads Team World 2-1.

ANDY MURRAY (TEAM EUROPE) 7 3 7
ALEX DE MINAUR (TEAM WORLD) 5 6 10

MATCH TIEBREAK

De Minaur wins the opening point with a forehand down the line. De Minaur did really well to keep the rally alive despite a weak return initially on Murray’s serve down the T but he loses the point with a backhand into the net. A miscued forehand volley from Murray lands long and De Minaur gets the mini-break at 2-1. Crosscourt backhand pass from De Minaur hits the top of the net but still lands inside the baseline. Murray gets the mini-break back courtesy of an overcooked crosscourt forehand from the Australian - 2-3. De Minaur gets the advantage back as Murray hits the inside-out forehand wide - 4-2. De Minaur seemed to have won the point with a quick crosscourt backhand pass but Murray’s hands were even quicker as he saved the point with a backhand volley - 4-3. Drop shot put to good use from the Australian as Murray tries to track it but the return only lands into the net - 5-3. Wide serve into the deuce court from De Minaur, Murray gets the return in and the Australian fumbles the forehand - 5-4. De Minaur takes advantage of a tired Murray and extends the rally, ultimately drawing a wide crosscourt forehand from the Brit to go 6-4 up. T serve followed by a forehand down the line - Murray trails 5-6. De Minaur again uses the drop shot just when Murray didn’t expect it and goes 7-5 up. De Minaur’s struggle with the overhead smash continues as Murray keeps the rally alive with a lob that lands just inside the baseline and the Australian hits the return outside the court. Murray tries the drop shot but it does not cross the net and De Minaur leads 8-6 with a mini-break up. Wide serve into the deuce court followed by a smash - Murray trails 7-8. Second serve from De Minaur down the middle and Murray’s forehand return lands long. Two match points for De Minaur with the first one on his own serve. Body serve from De Minaur and Murray’s backhand return is into the net. De Minaur wins 5-7, 6-3, [10-7] and open Team World’s account!

SECOND SET (* denotes server)

Murray* 3-6 De Minaur

Textbook defending from De Minaur before a lovely forehand lob to go 15-0 up. De Minaur wins the next point with a stunning backhand pass - 30-0 up. Three set points for De Minaur as he hits a crosscourt backhand winner to go 40-0 up. Murray saves one with a wide ace in the ad court. Second serve from Murray, into De Minaur’s body and the Australian sends the backhand return long. Murray goes for the drop shot but De Minaur gets to it in time and sends a forehand pass to end the point and close the set. A 10-point tiebreak to decide the winner of this tie.

Murray 3-5 De Minaur*

De Minaur and Murray engage in a rally of backhand slices before De Minaur gets a crosscourt backhand to drop just in time to trouble a rushing Murray - 15-all. A mistimed forehand shot from Murray but luckily, it lands in and instead, De Minaur hits the forehand into the net - 30-all. Break point for Murray as he gets the backhand crosscourt right as De Minaur who hits the forehand volley into the net. Murray hits a backhand down the middle but it ends into the net - deuce. Body serve from De Minaur but Murray did well to get his body out of the way while sending a backhand return. Murray kept the rally alive with a crosscourt forehand and the Australian hit the forehand in reply into the net. Another break point for Murray but it disappears quickly as he messes up a simple backhand return - deuce. Wide serve into the ad court from De Minaur draws a heavy return from the Brit. De Minaur holds.

Murray* 3-4 De Minaur

Big wide serve into the ad court by Murray and De Minaur sends the backhand return long - 30-0. Crosscourt forehand from Murray lands right at De Minaur’s feet and the Australian’s forehand down the line lands wide - 40-0. Crosscourt forehand pass from Murray to hold serve.

Murray 2-4 De Minaur*

Attempted backhand pass from Murray goes wide. De Minaur up 30-0 after he serves down the T and Murray’s forehand return lands into the net. Backhand into the net from Murray. Three game points for De Minaur. Murray saves one as he hits a forehand down the line and a scrambling De Minaur sends the forehand long. Forehand volley to close the game for the Australian.

Murray* 2-3 De Minaur

Wide serve into the ad court and it is an ace from Murray - 15-all. De Minaur on the defense with a sliding backhand but the ball lands well into the alley. Forehand down the line winner from Murray to go 40-15 up. Drop shot from De Minaur hits the net. Murray holds. Just.

Murray 1-3 De Minaur*

Andy Murray up 30-0 on De Minaur’s serve. Has the chance to break back immediately. Wide serve into the deuce court from De Minaur and Murry barely gets his racquet on the ball. Serve down the T, Murray unable to send the backhand return and De Minaur is up 40-30. T ace from De Minaur to consolidate the break.

Murray* 1-2 De Minaur

Net comes into play again - goes De Minaur’s way this time as the Australian’s backhand return hits the top of the net and drops dead on Murray’s side of the court. A double fault from the Brit and he is down 15-30. Wide serve into the deuce court, forehand down the line and an inside-out forehand - Murray wins the point and goes 40-30 up. De Minaur sees Murray standing well behind the baseline and ends the point with a simple drop shot - deuce. Crosscourt forehand from Murray goes wide and De Minaur has a break point. Another double fault from Murray and De Minaur gets the early break.

Murray 1-1 De Minaur*

De Minaur quickly closes his service game to make it 1-1.

Murray* 1-0 De Minaur

Murray to serve first. Exceptional work from De Minaur to track Murray’s lob and then turn around to hit an inside-out forehand which draws a backhand error from the Brit - 15-all. De Minaur twice avoids the passing shot with backhand volleys but the Brit eventually hits the forehand pass to take the point. A thunderous crosscourt forehand pass from De Minaur but Murray gets in a perfect forehand volley to close the game.

FIRST SET (* denotes server)

Murray 7-5 De Minaur*

Murray with a chance after a glorious crosscourt backhand pass to go 30-15 up on the Australian’s serve. Drop shot from Murray lands wide - 30-all. Ball goes flying off Murray’s racquet after the Brit looks to go for the crosscourt forehand. Backhand into the net from De Minaur after a flat down the line forehand from Murray - deuce. Game point for De Minaur as Murray’a backhand return does not rise enough. Murray with another moment of magic - a brilliant backhand passing shot from De Minaur but Murray replies with a stunning crosscourt half volley - deuce again. A bit of fortune helps Murray - backhand return takes a deflection off the top of the tape, De Minaur who was rushing in just managed to send the ball over the net but Murray won the point with a crosscourt forehand pass. Murray saves another game point as De Minaur’s backhand slice from the net goes wide. This has been a long deuce game. A SET POINT for Murray as De Minaur sends the forehand long. De Minaur, somehow, saves it as Murray defended as well as he could but eventually hit a backhand into the net. A crosscourt forehand drop shot from Murray after sticking De Minaur to the baseline. Another set point for the Brit. What an anticlimactic end to this gruelling set as De Minaur commits a double fault!

Murray* 6-5 De Minaur

A perfect serve up the T from Murray to go 30-15 up. Wide serve into the ad court from Murray, De Minaur gets the backhand return in the middle and the Brit hits the forehand into the net- 30-all. Murray gets the overhead smash right to go 40-30 up. No easy points from De Minaur and Murray is feeling it as he hits a crosscourt forehand into the net - deuce. Murray does well to get the forehand volley in against De Minaur’s backhand pass and the Australian hits the backhand into the net. A forehand into the net from De Minaur and Murray holds.

Murray 5-5 De Minaur*

De Minaur to serve to stay in the set. Two backhand errors from Murray and the Australian is 30-0 up. Crosscourt forehand from Murray lands wide. Another heavy forehand from Murray. De Minaur holds.

Murray* 5-4 De Minaur

Serve down the middle from Murray and De Minaur’s backhand return goes long. Wide serve into the ad court from Murray and it is an ace - 30-0. Second serve from Murray, De Minaur hits the backhand return and Murray’s inside-out forehand hits the net. Heavy crosscourt backhand from De Minaur and Murray has a game point at 40-30. Wide serve into the ad court, De Minaur gets the backhand return in and then runs to the opposite end to hit a lob which forces Murray to hit the overhead and the Brit hits it into the net. Another chance goes for Murray as he serves wide into the ad court and follows it up with a forehand down the line which lands long - deuce again. Serve down the T and De Minaur’s backhand return lands beyond the baseline. Murray holds as De Minaur errs on the backhand again.

Murray 4-4 De Minaur*

Body serve from De Minaur and Murray’s backhand return goes wide. Heavy forehand from Murray lands beyond the baseline. A five-shot rally ends with De Minaur hitting the inside-out forehand wide - 30-15. The ball stays low and Murray’s backhand slice lands at the bottom of the net. Unforced error from De Minaur as he hits one forehand into the net while looking to go down the line. Second serve allows Murray to get into the rally and backhand from the Aussie lands long - deuce. Chance for Murray. De Minaur has a game point but not for long as Murray hits a 91mph crosscourt forehand winner - deuce again. A double fault from the Australian and it is a break point opportunity for Murray. A 119mph T ace from De Minaur, talk about response! Another T ace from the Australian to close the game.

Murray* 4-3 De Minaur

A mistimed backhand volley from Murray goes wide. Wide serve into the ad court from Murray to make it 15-all. Backhand slice from Murray goes into the alley. T serve from the Brit and the Australian’s forehand return is long. Another serve down the middle and De Minaur’s backhand return goes wide. Murray holds. The local favourite looks absolutely pumped up for this fight.

Murray 3-3 De Minaur*

A masterclass in defending from Andy Murray. Wide serve in the deuce court from De Minaur. He then forced Murray to the opposite end. However, Murray hustled like anything while keeping the point alive with a lob before another lob from the Brit landed bang on the baseline. The Brit ended the point with a crosscourt backhand volley winner. Three break points for Murray as De Minaur hits a backhand into the net to go 0-40 down. A heavy inside-out forehand from the Aussie and we are back on serve!

Murray* 2-3 De Minaur

Murray begins with a doubles fault, his second of the match. However, the former World No. 1 follows it up by winning the next four points to close the game.

Murray 1-3 De Minaur*

De Minaur goes 40-0 up in no time. Murray manages to get the forehand return right at De Minaur’s feet and draws a heavy backhand from the Aussie. Murray saves another game point as he goes for the forehand pass and De Minaur, who was in position, his the volley wide. Incredible backhand shot mid-rally from Murray to make it deuce. Forehand pass from Murray to earn a break point. Another pass from the Brit, this time from the backhand but it lands just wide. Deuce again. Body serve from De Minaur followed by another forehand down the line before finishing it with a forehand volley. De Minaur’s forehand takes a deflection off the top of the tape and the ball lands on Murray’s side. De Minaur holds.

Murray* 1-2 De Minaur

Serve out wide on the ad court from Murray but De Minaur successfully challenges the call. Nevertheless, love hold for Murray.

Murray 0-2 De Minaur*

De Minaur consolidates the break while losing just one point in the process. Excellent start for the Aussie.

Murray* 0-1 De Minaur

Murray to serve first. De Minaur overhits a forehand to give Murray the first point. The Brit returns the favour with a double fault. Follows it up with an ace. Murray keeps himself in the rally with a couple of well-timed lob shots but the Aussie eventually ends it with an overhead smash. Murray hits the forehand into the net and it is deuce. Break point opportunity for De Minaur straight away as Murray hits a forehand wide. De Minaur gets the early break with a crosscourt forehand winner from the net!

11:45PM IST: Coin toss for Andy Murray vs Alex De Minaur match is done. The Australian wins the toss and chooses to receive. It’s a contest between two Laver Cup debutants.

11:40PM IST: For the spectators who weren’t there during the day session, another chance to see the full squads of both teams as the players are introduced one by one.

11:30PM IST: It’s time for the third singles match of the day - Andy Murray for Team Europe against Team World’s Alex De Minaur.

11:15PM IST: Federer will retire as the oldest man to become World No. 1 (36 in 2018) and with the most consecutive weeks at No. 1 (237 from 2004-08).

11:05PM IST: F ederer’s record in doubles matches involving Nadal

Indian Wells Masters (2004) - Round of 16 - Rafael Nadal/Tommy Robredo (Spain) beat Roger Federer/Yves Allegro (Switzerland) 7-5, 4-6, 6-3

Rome Masters (2007) - Round of 32 - Rafael Nadal/Carlos Moya (Spain) beat Roger Federer/Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 7-6 (5)

Indian Wells Masters (2011) - Semifinal - Roger Federer/Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland) beat Rafael Nadal/Marc Lopez (Spain) 7-5, 6-3

International Tennis Premier League (2015) - Rafael Nadal/Rohan Bopanna (Indian Aces) beat Roger Federer/Marin Cilic (UAE Royals) 6-4

Laver Cup (2017) - Second Doubles - Rafael Nadal/Roger Federer (Team Europe) beat Sam Querrey/Jack Sock (Team World) 6-4, 1-6, [10-5]

Match for Africa (2020) - Roger Federer/Bill Gates beat Rafael Nadal/Trevor Noah 6-4

10:55PM IST: Federer’s record in doubles in Laver Cup

Having featured in five doubles contests, Federer has a win-loss record of 2-3.

On the only occasion he had paired up with Nadal - 2017 - Team Europe ended up beating Sam Querrey and Sock in three sets. The team of Djokovic and Federer lost its match to Sock and Kevin Anderson in three sets in Laver Cup 2018.

10:45PM IST: The stage is set for the ‘Last Dance’ of one of the greatest champions of the sporting world. Roger Federer will say goodbye to tennis after partnering Rafael Nadal in the first doubles match of this year’s Laver Cup. That match will be preceeded by a singles tie between Andy Murray and Alex Di Minaur. Live action begins at 11:30PM IST. Stay tuned for all the build-up!

PREVIEW

The night session on day one of the Laver Cup will see Roger Federer in action for one last time as the Swiss maestro will partner his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in doubles for Team Europe against Team World’s Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

Team Europe leads 2-0 after Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas won their respective singles match.

The third singles match of the day will be between Andy Murray of Team Europe and Alex De Minaur of Team World which will take place before the doubles match.

When and where to watch?

The night session of the Laver Cup 2022 will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and live streamed on Sony Liv from 11:30PM IST on Friday.

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